Different styles of music
In this style of music, songs are often about politics or the society. The hip-hop artists speak the words rather than sing them. It is also called rap music or hip hop music.
Famous hip-hop artists include Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Notorious B.I.G.
This is a style of religious music. It was started by African Americans in the south of the US. It is usually performed by groups of singers with strong voices.
Famous gospel groups include the Fairfield Four, the Dixie Hummingbirds, and the Golden Gate Quartet.
This style of music was developed in the early 20th century. The music is often improvised. This means that the performers change the music as they perform.
Famous jazz performers include Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Andy Williams.
4) New Age
This style of music helps people to relax. It is often used to create a calm and peaceful environment. Some people listen to this style of music when they meditate.
Famous New Age performers include Enya, Era, and Paul Horn.
This style consists of popular modern music. These pop songs usually have strong beats and words that are easy to listen to and remember.
Famous pop artists include Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and Michael Jackson.
An opera is a kind of play where the characters sing rather than speak. These operas have orchestras (i.e. large groups of musicians which play mostly classical music).
Famous opera singers include Luciano Pavarotti, Paul Potts, and Montserrat Caballé.
This popular style of music was started by African Americans in the 1940s. It was developed from blues and jazz.
Famous contemporary (i.e. modern) R&B singers include Rihanna, Beyonce, and Mariah Carey.
This is not so much a style of music as a collection of music and/or songs that are used in a specific movie (e.g. the soundtrack to Iron Man, the soundtrack to The Dark Knight, etc.) and games (e.g. the soundtrack to Assassin's Creed, the soundtrack to Halo, etc.). It is often abbreviated to OST which stands for Original Soundtrack.
9) World Music
World Music is the traditional or folk music of a specific culture or country. This is one of my favourite styles of music so if you can tell me about some traditional music from your country or culture I will appreciate it.
10) Kwaito music
This is a modern style of music that started in South Africa in the 1990s. It is based on house music but features African sounds and a slower beat.
Famous kwaito artists include Lebo Mathosa, Arthur Mafokate, and Brenda Fassie.
Your turn! Tell me which of these styles of music you like and which ones you don't like. Try to give reasons why you like some of them but not others. Please leave your answers in the comments section. Enjoy!